Cherries: Fletch upbeat despite injury list

17 March 2011 07:00

STEVE Fletcher insists Cherries must soldier on irrespective of the pluses and minuses on the Dean Court injury list.

Cherries were boosted by the return to action of striker Steve Lovell during the midweek reserve clash with Swindon.

However, while Lovell came through unscathed, midfielder Mark Molesley hobbled off in the first half after turning his ankle.

Molesley, who had been sidelined for around 17 months due to a foot problem, is expected to ascertain the full extent of the damage when he has a scan.

Cherries are also sweating on the fitness of defenders Rhoys Wiggins and Warren Cummings ahead of Saturday's visit to League One rivals Carlisle.

As a precaution, Stephen Purches was given a run-out at left-back during the reserve clash and could be required to deputise at Brunton Park.

Striker Michael Symes is also facing a race against time to regain his fitness, while recent recruit Ben Williamson is today set to return to full training after recovering from an ankle injury.

Assistant boss Fletcher told the Daily Echo: With 10 games remaining, we need as many fit bodies as possible. We have got a couple of knocks at the moment but that is something we have got to deal with. We won't moan or whinge about it.

A couple of weeks ago, we had almost everybody fit and, those who weren't, were close. These things happen and they are there to test you. It is not as if we haven't been through this before. We will keep the spirits high and be okay.

Fletcher confirmed Molesley's latest injury was not related to his previous problem and said the player would be assessed over the next few days.

It was disappointing to see him come off because he had only just come back, said Fletcher. It could be one of a few things and we will know more towards the end of the week.

Asked for an update on Wiggins and Cummings, Fletcher said: We are going to have to monitor Rhoys because his problem seems to keep recurring. We will see how he is towards the end of the week, as we will with Warren.

Warren had a scan and the news was good in so much as it revealed only bone bruising. We were initially concerned it could have been more serious.

Fletcher also confirmed Symes's groin problem was nothing long term and said Williamson could soon be in contention for a return.

Lovell and Williamson could feature in a friendly next week with Cherries hoping to arrange a match with either the Glenn Hoddle Academy or the Nike Academy.